Life

7 Rice Cookers That Whip Up Perfect Rice Every Time

by Lisa Fogarty

If you're unable to settle for anything less than perfectly cooked rice, owning one of the best rice cookers on the market isn't a luxury — it's a necessity.

A great rice cooker can take the guesswork out of how much water you'll need to cook various rice types, how high of a flame you should use, and the length of time needed to whip brown or sushi white rice into shape. Because, let's face it: Rice is one fickle food. What works for short-grain white rice or instant rice simply isn't going to fly if you need to whip up 12 cups of brown rice for a party of guests expected at your door in two hours.

Could you torture yourself by checking the pot every three minutes to make sure your rice hasn't gobbled up all the water? Sure. Do you have to succumb to that kind of madness? Absolutely not — grab yourself a rice cooker, let it do the work for you, and go relax.

These highly-rated rice cookers on Amazon run the gamut from extremely affordable one-switch options to tech-savvy cookers that take individual rice types into account when cooking and can even activate healthy GABA amino acids in brown rice. Make one yours and you'll always have delicious, perfectly cooked rice when you want it.

1

A Rice Cooker And Steamer With Separate Settings For White And Brown Rice

Aroma Housewares Digital Cool Touch Rice Cooker, $30, Amazon

This rice cooker was made for anyone who is super serious about rice and knows there's a major difference in what it takes to properly prepare the best brown or white rice. It boasts separate settings for both rice types so that you get the perfect side dish or meal each time and it yields up to eight cups of cooked rice, so it's great for larger portions.

The programmable digital controls also include a setting to steam foods like meat and veggies — and you can steam them in a dish that sits right above the rice, saving you major time. You'll also get some pretty nifty accessories with your purchase, including a spatula, rice measuring cup, and recipes and coupons. There's a 15-hour cooking delay timer that's convenient to use when you'll be out all day, and when you're ready to clean up, simply lift the rice cooking insert and wash everything in the sink.

2

A Seven-In-One Multifunctional Rice Cooker That Can Also Be Used As A Pressure Cooker And More

Cosori 7-In-1 Multifunctional Programmable Rice Cooker, $90, Amazon

If you're having trouble justifying a rice cooker purchase, this one will ease your worries: It's a seven-in-one rice cooker that works over time as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, sauté pan, yogurt maker, steamer, and warmer. With programmable digital controls that clearly indicate each function, it couldn't be easier to use — or clean up. Unlike some rice cookers, this stainless steel model is dishwasher safe. It also comes with a glass lid, extra silicone sealing ring, spoon, ladle, measuring cup, and stainless steel steam rack.

3

A Travel-Friendly Rice Cooker That's Perfect For Single Servings

Livart Rice Cooker, $40, Amazon

When you only need to whip up a single cup serving of rice and aren't looking for all of the bells and whistles, this travel-friendly rice cooker is perfect. It has a single-switch operation and a warmer to keep your rice the ideal temperature until you're ready to use it. The non-stick teflon pan ensures no rice sticks to the bottom, which is extremely convenient if you're using this while out and about and don't have time or the means to soak the pot in water. This also comes with a side dish container that can be used as a lunchbox and the detachable handle provides a simple way to transport it from place to place.

4

An Extra-Large Rice Cooker That Yields Up To 20 Cups Of Rice For Dinner Parties

Hamilton Beach Rice & Hot Cereal Cooker, $50, Amazon

Throwers of elaborate parties and lovers of leftovers alike will rejoice when owning this rice cooker, which also makes hot cereal. It yields four to 20 cups of rice or whole grains and comes with a rice rinser/steam basket. Pre-programmed settings let you choose among options like white rice, quick rice, whole grain, and hot cereals, and a delay start of up to 11 hours makes it easier to prepare breakfast or dinner and have it ready when you want it. When your rice or grains are finished cooking, this cooker automatically shifts to the warmer setting.

5

A Fancy, Tech-Savvy Rice Cooker That Can Even Make Cakes

Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker, $147, Amazon

This rice cooker is a techie's dream come true. It has computerized options that let you choose among cooking setting for sushi rice, brown rice, mixed rice, porridge, sweet rice, and even cakes and steamed foods. The delay timer boasts two settings, it has extended warm and reheating settings, and the inner lid is detachable and washable. This steamer gets it right each time, no matter what type of rice you're cooking. Accessories you'll receive with this model include a BPA-free steaming basket, rice measuring cup, nonstick serving spatula, and a spatula holder.

6

A Budget-Friendly Rice Cooker That Cooks Rice, Soup & Fondue

Oster Rice Cooker, $17, Amazon

You don't have to break the bank to get a quality rice cooker — this affordable red model cooks up to six cups of rice and can be used to make soup and fondue, as well. It comes with a 1-liter steaming tray, has a keep warm feature, and every thing you'll need to do can be activated from one simple switch. The glass lid is perfect for steaming vegetable and meat and both the non-stick pot and steaming tray can be popped into the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

7

A Stylish Rice Cooker With 6 Cooking Settings And A GABA Function For Healthier Brown Rice

Cuckoo Electric Heating Rice Cooker, $110, Amazon

The fun design will lure you in, but this rice cooker is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. It features six cooking settings and boasts something called a GABA function, which activates specific amino acids found in brown rice. This cooker yields up to six cups of rice, has a non-stick coating inner pot, and it ensures that different rice types receive personalized cooking methods.

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